Four months later
Echo
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Octavia groaned, hand on her growing stomach. "I can't wait to get her out." Eight months pregnant, and she looked like she was going to burst.
I grimaced, hand on my own which was now starting to show. I was four months pregnant, one moth away from finding out whether I was having a son or daughter, five months from giving birth. It was terrifying, my stomach growing and stretching, the kicks and stretches of the baby. There was a tiny human growing inside of me.
"Abby said she's big, big and healthy. I asked her if she could induce labor and let me have this baby now, but she said that I have to wait full term. Ugh!"
"At least you have yet another month to prepare," I offered, flinching when my baby gave me an unusually strong kick.
"I guess. Physically I'm prepared—we have the crib, clothes, but mentally I'm still terrified."
"I don't think that feeling will go away," I murmured.
She just hummed in response.
It was late, late enough that Bellamy would be arriving shortly from his night guard duty. I had been trying to sleep for hours, unsuccessful and miserable. My body felt too heavy, my head hot and sweaty. I didn't feel sick, I just didn't feel comfortable. Tossing and turning, blanket on and off, tonight was worse than usual.
The keypad beeped, the door opening. I sat up, relieved Bellamy was back. He startled when he saw I was awake; I was always asleep long before he returned.
"Echo? Are you okay?" his brow furrowed in concern.
I nodded. "I'm okay. I just can't sleep. It's too hot in here…"
He headed over to me and pressed his hand to my forehead. "You're a bit warm…come on, a cool shower might help." He gently pulled me up from the bed and guided me to the bathroom. "Are you feeling sick?"
"No…I mean, I'm nauseous, but I'm always at least a little nauseous."
"But you're more nauseous than usual?"
"No…well, a little. I don't think I'm sick though. I hope I'm not, anyways."
He nodded, concern still evident on his face. He turned the water on, waiting until it was just right—not really cold, but not exactly warm—before he helped me out of my pajamas and guided me into the shower. The water while feeling good was colder than I'd like and I couldn't help but shiver. Bellamy turned the water a little warmer, my body almost instantly relaxing. Once Bellamy determined I was cooled off enough he turned the water off, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around me.
"I think I'm ready to sleep now," I murmured, voice already slurred with sleep. Instead of leading me back to bed he slid his arm under my legs and lifted me, carrying my tired body. I remember him dressing me in thin pajamas and then I drifted off.
"They're both okay," Abby announced, turning the monitor off.
"Are you sure?" Bellamy asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Echo's vitals are strong, the hormone levels due to the baby is what's causing the uncomfortableness and what's overheating her easily. And the nausea was expected, I can give her some medicine to help settle her stomach. The baby is doing well, her growth is excellent and her vitals are strong. Plus—"
"Wait," I interrupted, finally clicking with what she had said. "Did you just say her?"
Bellamy's eyes widened in realization. Abby smiled, nodding. "Yes, I did. You have a healthy daughter growing inside you."
I moved my hand, resting it on the baby bump. Bellamy placed his hand on mine. Our eyes met and there was nothing in the world that could compare to our smiles.